Woodford Aerodrome resi plans approved

Plans to build 950 homes at Woodford Aerodrome have been given the go ahead by Stockport Council.

The redevelopment of the 500-acre site, which is being brought forward by a joint venture between Harrow Estates and Avro Heritage, will also feature a primary school, employment area, pub, shops, community facilities, and areas of open and recreational space.

The application, approved during an extraordinary meeting of the council's planning and highway committee this week, provides details of the first phase of the development, which includes 145 homes and a village green.

Demolition of existing buildings will begin later this year, with construction of the first phase to begin in 2015. Development of the site is expected to take place over a nine-year period, with the subsequent stages subject to further detailed planning applications.

Architecture practice Cassidy + Ashton and Conlon Construction were recently appointed to design and build an aviation museum on the site.

Mike Riding, managing director of Harrow Estates, said: "We are naturally thrilled that our ambitious plans for Woodford Aerodrome can finally begin, after years of preparation and consultation.

"The site provides a unique opportunity to deliver a high quality and sustainable community that meets the growing need for housing in Stockport, and I am pleased that councillors have recognised this."

Avro Heritage bought the site from BAE Systems in a £100m deal in December 2011. Avro Heritage is a venture established by JCB heir Joe Bamford specifically to purchase Woodford Aerodrome.

Planit IE put together the masterplan, while NLP gave planning advice. PPS Group worked on the community consultation and stakeholder phase. Peter Brett Associates advised on transport matters.